It goes without saying that the NFL Draft tends to bring out the worst in fans. When it comes to talent, everyone is an expert — except the actual experts, that is. In the case of DHB, Al Davis might have known something that wailing Raiders fans did not: DHB may be better than Crabtree.

According to Football Outsiders, Michael Crabtree is the better receiver, but not by much. Explanations for these stats can be found here.

49ers

DYAR

DVOA

Passes

Yards

EYds

Catch Rate

AV

M. Crabtree

167

6.3%

114

880

962

64%

9

K. Williams

61

12.3%

31

241

287

65%

3

M. Manningham

53

-4.2%

77

523

584

51%

4

T. Ginn

10

-8.7

33

220

222

58%

0

Raiders

DYAR

DVOA

Passes

Yards

EYds

Catch Rate

AV

D. Heyward-Bey

145

3.6%

115

975

942

56%

8

D. Moore

84

0.9%

76

618

627

56%

5

J. Ford

31

-0.9%

33

279

262

58%

3

L. Murphy

6

-10.1%

33

241

212

45%

2

Crabtree edges out DHB in all statistical categories except for yards gained. Where Crabtree has had the benefit of playing with the same quarterback for three seasons, DHB did not. The best season of DHB’s career was one in which the Raiders’ offense underwent a major upheaval mid season after losing starter Jason Campbell. Sure, Campbell’s replacement, Carson Palmer, was a better quarterback. But is Palmer’s presence enough to explain DHB’s significant improvement?

Though I don’t believe that one mediocre season is enough to crown DHB the better receiver, Pro-Football Focus (PFF) does. According to their projections, PFF believes both DHB and Denarius Moore will have better seasons than Crabtree.

Rk

Player

Targ

Rec

Yds

TD

Fum

Pts

34

D. Heyward-Bey

105

58

945

5

1

182

35

D. Moore

110

47

869

7

1

177

49

M. Crabtree

93

60

744

4

0

156

55

J. Ford

89

46

690

4

1

142

61

M. Manningham

70

43

636

3

1

127

85

R. Moss

47

27

427

4

1

95

106

A. Jenkins

33

21

256

1

0

53

110

L. Murphy

31

16

246

1

0

48

Given PFF’s projections and Palmer’s seeming ability to make lemonade out of lemons, I would say the Raiders have the better receiving corps. Granted, Randy Moss might have a breakout season, but that seems as likely as Juron Criner doing the same. Mario Manningham too could become a prolific receiver. But if he wasn’t able to do so in New York, what are the odds he does with the run-happy 49ers?

Fortunately for the 49ers, receivers aren’t the only ones allowed to catch passes. The tight end position has become as vital to the passing game as lensless, black-rimmed glasses are to Lebron James’s hipster aesthetic. As it happens, the 49ers have one of the best tight ends in the league.

49ers

DYAR

DVOA

Passes

Yards

EYds

Catch Rate

AV

V. Davis

94

7.7%

95

792

737

71%

10

D. Walker

0

-7.5%

35

198

183

54%

4

Raiders

DYAR

DVOA

Passes

Yards

EYds

Catch Rate

AV

B. Myers

-39

-28.1%

27

151

72

59

3

There is no need for discussion here. Davis reigns supreme. In fact, Myers would likely be unable to crack the 49ers roster. Kevin Boss wouldn’t though.

Raiders

DYAR

DVOA

Passes

Yards

EYds

Catch Rate

AV

K. Boss

105

36.2%

39

368

434

72%

5

Boss’s role with the Raiders was minuscule, but he filled the role much better than any replacement level player could. It should be interesting to see how well he will do with the Chiefs.

Anyways, PFF’s projections certainly do not shock.

Rk

Player

Targ

Rec

Yds

TD

Fum

Pts

6

V. Davis

114

82

891

6

1

214

38

B. Myers

42

28

307

3

0

77

48

D. Walker

23

16

181

1

0

44

54

Richard Gordon

21

14

162

1

0

33

Because the 49ers have the better tight ends while the Raiders have the better receivers, it would appear as though the two teams are at a stalemate.

Who’s got it better at receiver? Neither.

About the Author

A resident of California, East Bay Sports Guy (otherwise known as Scott Preston) often spends his time wearing v-necks -- sometimes deep, sometimes not -- and watching teams that play sports together as a team. You can follow Scott @SportsAnxiety.

The Raiders have it all over the 49ers in coolest uniforms...that nerdy red and gold of the niners compared to bad ass silver and black of Oakland (and OAKLAND sounds cool too)..I mean, when the 49er head coach wears black and silver 49ers hats..it tells you who he admires as real cool..not Disney character miners...

Good breakdown. I'm biased, but I think the potential of the Raiders' core is larger. Granted, potential guarantees you nothing, but I haven't seen a WR like Moore on the Raiders in quite some time. His catch in the Buffalo game was absolutely thrilling.

As a Raider fan, I will openly say that I absolutely ENVY the Niners TE's. I would love to have either one in the Silver & Black. Boss is decent and a hell of a blocker, but c'mon, there is no comparison to Walker and Davis.
At WR, I was in the majority that was furious when the Raiders took DHB over Crabtree. I think coming out of college, Crabtree was heads and shoulders above DHB. I think that DHB will have the better pro career when they are both done. Crabtree comes off as a bit of a diva and kind of lazy and DHB just gets better and better. I hope this DUI doesn't put him on the bench too long.
The Niners have upped their receiver core, as a whole, but they've got nothing on this young Raider crew. These guys are going to be monsters with a consistent coaching staff and QB that can air it out. Smith is serviceable, but still looks weak on simple patterns and seems to get happy feet.
I'm not going to lie. I think the Niners have a way better TEAM. But I think the Raider WR's will completely outperform the Niner WR's this year. Unfortunately, the Raiders are still a few years from really competing, IMO.

Niners have two really good tight ends, which is why it is so surprising that Walker is largely under-utilized in the passing game. But then again, I suppose all receivers have been under-utilized on the 49ers.

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